Almac Announces Expansion to its Commercial Facility With the Addition of Increased Storage Capacity for Biologic Products

CRAIGAVON, Northern Ireland, March 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to increased client demand for cold and dedicated frozen storage capacity for biopharmaceuticals, Almac's Pharma Services business unit has expanded its commercial facilities to include an additional 6124 sq ft of cold and frozen storage.

This is a joint investment with a commercial client, for which Almac provides central EU importation, warehousing and distribution services. This includes dedicated -70degreesC, -20degreesC and 2-8degreesC storage for drug antibody, drug linker, bulk drug substance, placebo and filled vials, coupled to before and after distribution to various global processing facilities.

In preparation for the successful commercialisation of the drug product, 20 additional dedicated freezer units have been added to the existing 10, for the storage of the monoclonal antibody and bulk drug substance products.

Strengthening Almac's EU product launch services, the expansion has also resulted in increased floor space facilitating shipping system configuration for bulk drug product and for direct to pharmacy supply of niche orphan drug products.

David Downey, Vice President, Commercial Operations comments "It is a pleasure to be able to expand our scope of services through this shared investment. Our ability to ensure all necessary preparations are made for this important commercial launch, positions Almac well within this growing biopharmaceutical sector".

About Almac

The Almac Group offers a broad range of services from R&D, biomarker discovery and development, API manufacture, pharmaceutical development, clinical trial supply and IXRS technology (IVRS/IWRS), to commercial-scale manufacture and packaging. Almac provides services to more than 600 companies, including all the world leaders in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors.

The company employs almost 3,000 individuals and is headquartered in Craigavon, Northern Ireland. US operations are based in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and California. Staff have now transferred to Almac's new $120m North American Headquarters which is now fully operational.

For more information about the Almac Group, please visit http://www.almacgroup.com or e-mail [email protected]

    For Further information contact:

    Almac
    Tania Davis
    T: +44(0)28-3836-363
    E: [email protected]

SOURCE Almac Group